Summer in Rome is looking packed! The City of Rome has released its 2026 Summer Fun Guide, and there's something in it for just about everyone.
Outdoor recreation is front and center this year. The free kayak loan program is back, making it easy to get out on the water without needing your own gear. Over on the courts, an adult pickleball league gives players of all levels a reason to get active. City pools are open for the season, with youth swim lessons available for families looking to build water confidence early.
For kids, the guide is full of ways to fill the summer: day camps, youth sports leagues, and arts & crafts programs round out the lineup. First-time skaters can also get rolling at the SFM Skate Park through a beginner learn-to-skate program.
When evening rolls around, there's no shortage of things to do either — the summer concert series and outdoor movie screenings are back, along with a full calendar of special events throughout the season.
Check out the full guide at romenewyork.com to see everything that's going on this summer!
Canalway Challenge
By Rome Waterways & Trails —
Let's go, Central NY & the Mohawk Valley! Trace history and track miles through the Canalway Challenge! Sign up and set your personal mileage goal of 15, 90, 180, or 360 miles. Reach your goal at your own pace while cycling, walking, or paddling along New York's extraordinary canals. All finishers receive a free sticker, magnet, and Erie Canal commemorative pennant. Let's go! Sign up: http://canalwaychallenge.org
How it Works
1. Set your mileage goal 2. Log miles on the trail or canal 3. Finish and earn a mileage sticker, magnet, and Erie Canal commemorative pennant.
Fort Stanwix has purchased six bike valet racks to support community events in the City of Rome. A bike valet is a service where attendees can securely check their bicycles with attendants, eliminating the need for a personal lock. This is especially valuable for riders who may not own a lock or who are traveling with additional gear, removing concerns about theft. It also expands bike parking capacity during events when demand exceeds existing infrastructure. By removing these barriers, a bike valet makes it easier for more people to attend and enjoy community events.
Last year, a pilot bike valet service was launched at the Cycle the Erie Block Party in downtown Rome, and proved especially popular with youth riders. However, this bike valet was done using handmade wooden bike racks that were cumbersome to transport and assemble. The new racks purchased by Fort Stanwix are lighter, more portable, more durable, and easier to set up—making it simpler than ever to offer free bike valet at city events. Thanks Fort Stanwix for continuing to support cycling in Rome!
Trail Maintenance
By Rome Waterways & Trails —
Thanks to the City of Rome for resurfacing the bridge over the Mohawk River at Bellamy Park! Go check it out!
Video credit: Bryan Urbanik
Lock E-21 Trail Closure for Winter Maintenance
By Rome Waterways & Trails —
Lock E-21 closure area on the Erie Canalway Trail.
Effective Immediately: Lock E-21 Parking and Trail Closure
The New York State Canal Corporation has announced an immediate closure of parking areas and a portion of the Erie Canalway Trail near Lock E-21 in Rome, NY. The closure is in effect for important winter maintenance work on the lock infrastructure.
Closure Details
Location: Lock E-21, 7176 Lock Rd, Rome, NY 13440
What's Closed: Both north and south parking areas, and the north side of the trail in the immediate area
Reason: Lock E-21 winter maintenance including dewatering of the lock to rehabilitate underwater components
What You Need to Know
There is currently no detour available for this section of the trail. However, state officials are monitoring weather conditions and will work to establish a safe detour option as soon as possible. Check back for updates on when normal trail access will resume.
For more information about the Canalway Trail and to view the full trail map, visit the Cycle the Canalway Trail map.
